Back to school for adults – choices

On Sept. 7, the Gaston County Public Library, in partnership with Belmont Abbey College, presented “Back to School for Adults: Essentials” at our main library. During the program, graduate and adult degree specialist Patricia Jennings shared a long list of what potential adult college students need to know to choose a career field, navigate the application process, secure financial aid and much more.

On Sept. 7, the Gaston County Public Library, in partnership with Belmont Abbey College, presented “Back to School for Adults: Essentials” at our main library. During the program, graduate and adult degree specialist Patricia Jennings shared a long list of what potential adult college students need to know to choose a career field, navigate the application process, secure financial aid and much more.

On Sept. 14, we will host the second special event for adults looking for information about beginning or resuming a college education.

“Back to School for Adults: Choices,” a drop-in college mini-fair will be held from 10 a.m. to noon in the auditorium of the Gaston County Public Library, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd ., Gastonia.

The free public event, appropriate for adults age 21 years or older, is presented by the Gaston County Public Library in cooperation with Belmont Abbey College, and will feature admissions and financial aid representatives from area colleges and universities, including Gardner Webb University, Gaston College, Cleveland Technical College, Pfeiffer University, Central Piedmont Community College, Johnson C. Smith University, New Life Theological Seminary and Belmont Abbey College.

No reservations are required for individuals or families. Advance reservations are required for organized groups to ensure seating.

During the morning, while participants have opportunities to explore the educational choices offered by accredited colleges and universities in our area, the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library will serve light refreshments.

The information provided by these professional advisers is supplemented by a variety of online and collection materials on choosing and pursuing a college education available at our Gaston County libraries.

In today’s busy, challenging world, a college degree or program certification can provide new opportunities and possibilities for adults. Consider these reasons adults return to college:

Increased earnings— On average, college graduates earn $2,000 more per month than high school graduates (2010 U.S. Census).

Job security— Individuals with a high school degree are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as college graduates (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Career change —A college degree will be needed by those seeking new careers; by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require a college education (Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce).

Job satisfaction — Individuals who have attended college report higher levels of job satisfaction and job worth compared to high school graduates (College Board).

To be a good role model — Children of parents with a college degree are better prepared for school than parents of high school graduates (College Board).

Personal satisfaction— College graduates report higher levels of personal happiness when compared to high school graduates (Pew Research Center).

The college and university representatives participating in Saturday’s event understand the needs, interests and concerns of adult students and can provide invaluable support as these motivated adults pursue new horizons.

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Reinhardt is program coordinator for the Gaston County Public Library. Her column runs on Sundays.